Restoring Vulnerability

Restoring Vulnerability

This month, I continue to find myself repeating, discussing and reviewing two words: Restoration and Vulnerability.

Restoration – the act or process of returning something to its original or improved condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

As we begin to transition from winter to spring, I find that I am in need of restoration before I can March forward. You, too, may feel expected to March On and Spring Forward without attuning to your needs, without sweeping out the inner cobwebs. Giving yourself permission to restore might feel too luxurious, when in fact, it is necessary for endurance and fortitude.

Restoration might look like:

Taking a Restorative Yoga Class at your local studio, or listening to a yoga podcast or DVD at home.

Meditating (even just 2 minutes)

Mindfulness – paying attention on purpose without judgment.

Taking a relaxing shower or bath

Receiving a massage or facial.

Diffusing Essential Oils

What are ways that you restore your body, mind and spirit?

When I review all the ways that I can restore myself, I notice that these same acts of restoration also help me practice vulnerability. When I am feeling restored, I am better able to be compassionate, empathetic, kind, loving, honest and authentic. When I am restored and vulnerable, I can connect and share with others on a deeper more, intimate level. Over the last few months, I’ve been more honest and forthcoming with others. I tell people how I’m really doing, and guess what? When I am vulnerable, it allows others to become more vulnerable, honest and authentic. When I tell the truth about how I am really doing (not just what I think they want to hear) they tend to do the same…and I don’t feel so alone.

You may have been taught that vulnerability is weakness, but in recent years, researcher Brene Brown is showing us that vulnerability is courage and that being vulnerable actually brings us more joy.

“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”